Sourcing a new Stem??

I've acquired a couple new estate pipes. One of them is a large Wellington style bent (marked "Wellpipe" over "Italy" on the shank) in need of a new stem - the old one seems to have suffered a "bit-ectomy" sometime in the past. The stem may have suffered a break, and the previous owner cut it off and crudely carved a new bit. Problem is the stem's about an inch too short for the geometry of the pipe.

Any good (cheap) sources of single stems? I'm looking for an Army style push-in stem with a tenon approximately 9/16" diameter at the pipe end, approximately (and I'm guessing here) 4"-5" long overall.

I'm happy to bend a straight stem to suit, but don't want to spend $20USD on a stem (plus shipping) for a pipe I paid $10 for. I've found a couple options on ebay for a number of stems (auctions of 4-6 stem lots) but really only need one.

A good, well finished and fitting bit is worth AT LEAST $20.00! You'd only have $30.00 in the pipe which in today's market is not bad! If it's not for you you just spent $10.00 for a stummel you can't smoke !! Your choice !!

A good, well finished and fitting bit is worth AT LEAST $20.00! You'd only have $30.00 in the pipe which in today's market is not bad! If it's not for you you just spent $10.00 for a stummel you can't smoke !! Your choice !!

A good, well finished and fitting bit is worth AT LEAST $20.00! You'd only have $30.00 in the pipe which in today's market is not bad! If it's not for you you just spent $10.00 for a stummel you can't smoke !! Your choice !!

Fair enough! Where would you suggest I look to find a suitable stem?

Try Walker Briar works or Norwood as both are highly recomended by fellow Bro's !

A common misconception among many pipers, especially newcomers, is that stems are disposable. Plug and play, one size fits all, etc. Truth be told nearly all pipe stems are custom fitted for its own individual pipe. On normal tenons, a diameter difference of 2-5 100ths of an inch can make the stem too tight or too loose.

In your case, the military mount makes things slightly easier, but only slightly! In my experience an adequate stem replacement can be had for around $25, but the wait for those who charge that is long. You could try yourself, but it would be a risk because you don't know if the angle of the tenon on the replacement stem will match your mortise. Pipe Maker's Emporium has several in that style for $7.50 each.

http://pipemakers.org/peterson01.html

Might be a fun project, or a waste of money. Good luck in your endeavor!